Monday, September 05, 2005

With friends like us...

I see the US has asked the EU for emergency assistance, requesting blankets, first aid kits, water trucks and food for the victims of Hurricane Katrina."Specialist teams from several member states are on stand-by and ready for immediate deployment," the European Commission said in a statement.What I found most interesting though was the list of countries that have so far pledged aid:Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Finland, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia Sweden, Spain and The Netherlands.I've a question? Where is the Irish aid?I investigated further and came across Reuters who report that the US State Department said by Friday local time, 44 nations and international organizations had offered help, ranging from medical teams and tents to cash donations. It too gave a list which included offers of help from:Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, NATO and the Organization of American States.Once again I ask - where is the Irish aid?So I perused through UTV and found this interesting report on our very own Minister for Finance Brian Cowen. Perhaps he would have something interesting to say on the issue..."Hurricane Katrina could seriously damage the Irish economy."The Irish Minister for Finance Brian Cowen is warning that rising oil prices could cut over one per cent off the Republic of Ireland's annual economic growth rate."Petrol prices have hit record highs following damage to America's oil producing Gulf-region."Dear oh dear! With friends like us, who needs enemies? If the shoe was on the other foot, there's no doubt in my mind that the Americans would pledge aid. Not us though!I would like to apologise to America and its citizens on behalf of my country for its shameful and diabolical response to your tragedy.